Interfaith Mission Service banquet to focus on 'Weaving Dreams' for Huntsville's youth

Huntsville City Schools Superintendent Dr. Casey Wardynski gives an overview of the progress of the Huntsville school district over 2011-12 during a State of the Schools' Address Tuesday, April 24, 2012 at Lockheed Martin. Wardynski will be the keynote speaker at the May 1, 2012, Interfaith Mission Service Awards banquet. (The Huntsville Times/Robin Conn)

HUNTSVILLE, Alabama -- Programs and people working to increase “The Power of Weaving Dreams” for Huntsville’s youth will be the focus of the annual awards and fundraising banquet Tuesday, May 1, 2012, of the Interfaith Mission Service.

Keynote speaker, Dr. Casey Wardynski, Huntsville Schools superintendent, says that there is a need for the whole community to work together to create an environment that supports youth and their dreams for a bright future.

Wardynski’s talk will outline new initiatives in the city schools, from increasing the number of pre-kindergartens to providing computers to all fifth graders and, beginning in the fall, all ninth graders, and forming an Innovation School at Chapman Middle School.

“Weaving dreams for children has been a highlight in our city in the last few years as we sought a new superintendent,” said the Rev. Dr. David Freeman, president of IMS.

“We wanted to highlight the needs of our school children. There are many organizations that contribute the well-being of our children, and this gives Dr. Wardynski a platform to share his vision for the schools.”

This year’s awards recognize organizations and individuals who are working for the city’s youth.

Union Chapel Missionary Baptist Church’s youth program will be recognized for its direct service to children in north Huntsville. The Marilyn Mabry Memorial Racial Harmony Award will go to Harris Home for Children, a long-time haven for children of all colors who are forced to live in state custody. The Rabbi Jeffrey L. Ballon Memorial Interfaith Award will be given to the Peace Valley Foundation, which works to help people understand the heart of Islam and to increase conversation among faith groups.

Mary and Newell Witherspoon, longtime advocates for a fair constitution for Alabama, will receive the Social Justice Award, and longtime dedicated IMS volunteer Joyce Neighbors will receive the Lifetime Service Award.

Tickets are $100 for individuals with half and whole tables, five and 10 seat respectively, available for $500 and $1,000. Places can be reserved through Monday at 256-536-2401 and www.InterfaithMissionService.org.